Meet Hirut, Assistant Speech Therapist

Hirut Mengistu, Assistant Speech therapist at our project in Ethiopia, has began working with the project in 2007. She is motivated to stay with the project because of the parents and children she meets each day. She is in charge of intake at the project and says that it is important to give feeding counselling upon the first visit because some parents are not aware of proper feeding techniques for children with open palates. At 7 months, if children are healthy, they are referred to the surgical unit. At 7 years old, children are referred to the dental clinic.

She describes some of the issues that affect children with cleft, such as bullying.Next year, the team hopes to work alongside teachers to combat cleft-related bullying.

Category Filters

Footer Left Column

Footer Middle Column

Transforming Faces equips local teams to provide comprehensive cleft lip and palate care that is accessible for all. Together, we are building happier, healthier lives for children and families in Asia, Africa and the Americas.